About James Lawrence Walton

James Lawrence “Bud” Walton (December 20, 1921 – March 21, 1995) was the brother of Sam Walton and cofounder of Wal-Mart.

Early life

James Lawrence Walton was born on December 20, 1921 in Columbia, Missouri. As a child, he worked on his family's farm. He attended David H. Hickman High School–located in the town of his birth–and then the Wentworth Military Academy in Lexington, Missouri. He served as a Navy pilot in World War II.

Career

Bud and his brother, Sam, began their career in the retail industry working in the Ben Franklin Stores franchise system. His first store was opened in Versailles, Missouri. Bud and Sam co-founded Walmart in Arkansas in 1962.

He is the namesake of the Bud Walton Arena at the University of Arkansas.

Death

Walton died following surgery for an aneurysm in Miami, Florida on March 21, 1995, at the age of 73.

Personal life

Family

Walton was married to Audrey Walton; They had two daughters, Ann and Nancy.